PHYSICAL AND TECHNICAL ATTRIBUTES ASSOCIATED ON-WATER ROWING PERFORMANCE IN JUNIOR AND ELITE ROWERS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION & AIMS On-water rowing performance consists of the integration of both physical and technical attributes. The aims of this exploratory study were to describe key physical and technical variables for elite and junior rowers and to examine the associations and predictive capacity of these variables with on-water rowing performance outcomes. METHODS Twenty-eight junior (16 females, 16 ± 0.8 years and 12 males, 17 ± 0.7 years) and 24 elite rowers (12 females, 24 ± 2.7 years and 12 males, 27 ± 2.6 years) volunteered to participate in the study. Participants completed an on-water single sculling biomechanics assessment combined with a series of physical, strength and power tests conducted in a high-performance training facility. RESULTS Descriptive analysis identified differences between junior and elite rowers separated by sex in several physical and on-water characteristics. Elite men and women were superior in mean gate force, distance per stroke and recovery distance compared to junior groups (P<0.0.17). Large correlations (P<0.01) were found between anthropometry, strength and power assessments with the on-water measures of catch angle, mean gate force, recovery distance and boat speed. Differences in ROM and flexibility attributes did not distinguish between elite and junior rowers, with other factors potentially involved. CONCLUSION This unique exploratory study combined a comprehensive physical assessment with an on-water single sculling biomechanical assessment to explore the interaction of physical attributes with on-water rowing technical variables. This battery of testing with world class athletes represents an excellent level of ecological validity for the assessment of rowers pertinent to on-water performance. The results provide a descriptive dataset of physical and technical characteristics for elite and junior rowers, of both sexes, which may be useful when evaluating the status of development rowers and to gauge the possibility of achieving further success in the sport.